THE Covid crisis had unexpected and welcome benefits for neighbours in one part of Reading which has now been nominated for a Pride of Reading Community of the Year award.
‘Eldon Village People’ who live in the Eldon Square area came together during the first lockdown in 2020, hosting weekly (socially distanced) street drinks. Said one nominator: “In what was a dark time for so many people we found something positive and joyful to focus on.”
Since then they have hosted an annual ‘rib-off’ cooking competition, various street parties including the Queen’s Jubilee, welcomed two babies, and in 2024 many will be attending a wedding of a local couple in the Caribbean.
Members of the ‘village’, which also covers Eldon Terrace, Eldon Street and Victoria Street, help run a pub quiz at the nearby Lyndhurst, are involved in Reading Rep theatre and enjoy pizza nights together.
“We have a WhatsApp chat and Neighbourhood Watch and help each other out wherever we can,” said one, who added: “I have made some lifelong friends and feel incredibly fortunate to be part of such a warm, kind community.”
Some neighbours started the Eldon Square Gardens Community Group, volunteering to keep the gardens tidy.
One of the group said: “Everyone helps each other out – from bringing in packages to watering plants and taking care of pets when others are on holiday. But most importantly, it’s developed into a supportive and fun-loving friendship across various backgrounds and ages.”
Another nominator said: “Very few of this community (if any) are actually from Reading, but have worked hard to make Reading a real home for them and those who live nearby. Everyone is included and everyone is welcome.”
And another of the ‘village people’ added: “This group is just fab. Close-knit, fun, supportive, creative. New people moving to the area now say they wanted to move here because they have heard what a great neighbourhood it is.”
The Community of the Year award is sponsored by Hilton Reading. The Pride of Reading Awards will hold its annual lunch, hosted by Chris Tarrant, in October where shortlisted nominees, guests and sponsors are invited and winners are celebrated.
To nominate a person or organisation go to www.porawards.co.uk where there is information on the categories, sponsors and awards.
Community of the Year Award is sponsored by Hilton Reading
A neighbourhood that has encouraged community spirit and by working together have made their area a better place to live and thrive.
Hilton is returning to the Pride of Reading Awards as sponsor of the Community of the Year Award, recognising a neighbourhood that has encouraged community spirit through working together to make their area better place to live.
Director of Operations at Hilton Ferooz Yaqubi said: “The community award itself is very important, because there are so many in Reading doing so much for others that aren’t in the spotlight.
“We choose to sponsor the award to give them that recognition so that they feel proud of the fantastic things they’re doing.
“We hope it will also give inspiration to others; Pride of Reading is one of the best events I’ve been a part of, personally.
“I actually get rather emotional, but when you see the inspirational people in the room, it makes me proud to be part of Reading, and Hilton is proud to be a part of that.”
He explained: “Reading is such a big town, but when it comes to getting together, everyone knows one another.
“The community is so together, and every year we see how interconnected Reading is as a community.”
